Report reveals what we already know: There is a lack of diversity in fashion industry

Despite Zac Posen employing nothing but Black models at New York Fashion Week, there is barely a dent in diversity in the fashion industry. The Fashion Spot released it’s Spring 2016 diversity report in ad campaigns and the results are not surprising.

Source: Randy Brooke / Getty

Amongst 236 different campaigns encompassing a total of 422 different models, the numbers reveal that models of color are only 21.8% percent. Given the dismal numbers, this is still a slight 6.5% increase compared to Fall 2015 ad campaigns.

The report also sheds light on the brands that had the least amount of diversity this season. According to The Fashion Spot, the following brands featured a minimum of three models, none were of color: Saint Laurent, Versace, Miu Miu, BCBG Max Azria and Forever 21.

The report also revealed that fewer plus-size models, transgender models, and women over age 50 appeared in ads as compared to Fall 2015. This is confusing, given the positive response from consumers surrounding more diverse ads.

Source: Jose Pagan / Jose Pagan Photography

Of the 422 models featured in ad campaigns, only six were plus-size women (1.4 percent). While in 2015, eight walked the Fall/Winter 2016 runways not one has landed a fashion campaign this season.

This is a major setback when we are striving to create societal norms versus capitalizing off of marketing opportunities.

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